LeBron James Sends Strong Message to Bronny's Doubters & People Questioning His Fatherhood

Back in 2024, LeBron James and Bronny James made history as they became the first active father-son duo in the NBA. Bronny was the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, selected by the Los Angeles Lakers. While it was undoubtedly another huge accomplishment in LeBron's career, the move has drawn criticism for being nepotistic, but it does not seem to faze King James.

Heading into the 2024 NBA Draft, many believed that Bronny wasn't ready for the big leagues yet. However, with LeBron’s time in the league winding down, it would have been best for his son to declare for the draft after only one year of college so they could play together. The decision raised many eyebrows, but LeBron remains firm in his belief that Bronny is a deserving member of the Lakers.

"The kid has earned his right to be a professional athlete," LeBron said in an exclusive interview with TIME.

The 41-year-old also made it clear that he will not tolerate any negativity shown towards his family, especially if it's about his fatherhood.

"The thing you’re not going to do is throw stones at us as a family," LeBron continued, as per TIME. "I’m not letting that sh-t slide, because I know what I’ve created because of what I didn’t have. So if you want to talk about the kid, that he shouldn’t be an NBA player, I don’t care about that. As long as you don’t get to the fatherhood piece. I don’t play those games."

Given that LeBron and Bronny are the only active father-son duo in NBA history, everything they do together is record-setting. Just look at the March 28 game against the Brooklyn Nets, where they made history as the first father-son duo to record an assist in the NBA.

"It was a special moment with us two and a lot more to come down the road," Bronny said.

However, we're not entirely sure if the duo can still set any more records together.

The 2026-27 season is currently the last remaining guaranteed season on the 21-year-old’s rookie contract with the Lakers holding a team option for his 2027-28 season. Given that LeBron is widely expected to suit up for another team next season, it could be the first time the James family shares the court as adversaries.

NBA insider predicts LeBron James will remain in LA with Bronny

One of the biggest concerns in the league right now is what's next for LeBron James' historic career. After eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron has surprisingly not extended his contract, leaving Bronny James and the rest of his teammates in limbo.

There have been reports that LeBron’s relationship with the Lakers’ front office has drifted apart. Due to their rocky dynamic, King James reportedly wanted to test free agency. Since then, there have been a plethora of rumors about Bron joining either the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Golden State Warriors next season.

However, NBA insider Brian Windhorst believes that LeBron will still end up with the Lakers. In the case of the Cavs, Windhorst thinks that they should focus on acquiring a player who could help them defensively. As for the Warriors, Windhorst also thinks it's a possibility for LeBron to head to the Bay Area.

"If it doesn't work out with the Lakers, I'd watch the Warriors," Windhorst said on The Pat McAfee Show. "I know that everybody loves the idea of LeBron in Cleveland, but Cleveland needs perimeter defense. ... But I'd watch Golden State. ... I still think it's Lakers. I say, 51% Lakers, and then we'll see."

As of this writing, everything remains a blur. LeBron declared he would make his final decision in late June or early July. There have been rumors that the Lakers are still interested in making an offer to the King. However, it might not be the pay he's expecting.

Meanwhile, other rumors suggest that Stephen Curry could meet up with LeBron this summer to try to convince him to play in the Bay Area.